Animals considered powerful and ferocious, like lions, tigers, and leopards living in Gorakhpur Zoo, have now fallen prey to diseases that were previously found only in humans.

We often hear that diseases like diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid, or cataracts only affect humans. The shocking truth is that these serious illnesses are now affecting animals in zoos. Considered powerful and ferocious animals like lions, tigers, and leopards living in the Gorakhpur Zoological Park are now suffering from diseases previously only found in humans. Let's find out why animals are suffering from human-like illnesses. 

Animals falling sick at the zoo.

Several recent incidents have been reported at the Gorakhpur Zoo, including a tigress who has been diagnosed with 90 percent cataracts in both eyes. The chances of her regaining her sight are slim. Previously, a leopard developed cancer, which led to its death. Now, another leopard is suffering from diabetes, thyroid problems, and high cholesterol. High triglyceride levels were found in its body, causing swelling. These conditions were discovered after a blood test. Furthermore, a lioness recently died from an epileptic seizure. This was a very unusual occurrence, as epilepsy is not commonly found in lions. 

Why are animals getting diseases like humans?

There's a huge difference between the environment of a zoo and the freedom of the wild. Experts believe that captivity completely alters an animal's lifestyle and eating habits. The lives of animals in zoos are completely different from those in the wild. In the wild, animals run and roam for miles, but in zoos, they have very limited space to roam. This reduces their physical activity. In the wild, animals hunt for themselves, which keeps them active. However, in zoos, they are fed fixed amounts of food at fixed times. This can disrupt their metabolism.

Confined cages and a monotonous lifestyle can cause mental stress for animals. This also negatively impacts their health. In zoos, most animals' activities are limited, leading to obesity, hormonal changes, and metabolic disorders, all of which contribute to human-like illnesses. 

Treatment of animals in the zoo 

Dr. Yogesh Pratap Singh, Chief Wildlife Veterinarian at Gorakhpur Zoological Park, explains that animals in the zoo are regularly examined. These diseases go undetected in the wild because testing is not possible there. However, blood tests, eye exams, and other tests are conducted regularly at the zoo. This is why diseases like diabetes and thyroid in the leopard were detected early, and the tigress is also being treated.